Story Tags

DC's Wild, Wondrous Heart

Ecological, Historical & Poetic Explorations of Rock Creek Park

When many people think of our nation's capital, they focus on its political life. Yet residents here know our city environment encompasses much more than federal politics. At its heart lies my favorite area, Rock Creek Park. Over double the size of Central Park, it includes forests, streams, hills, fields, recreational and historical sites. Here residents and tourists can escape from urban stress, slow down, engage in recreation, and commune with nature.

Take to the Seas!

Nautical Novels & Nonfiction

They say that the sea is a cruel mistress, harsh and fickle. But she is also alluring, holding a beautiful, spellbinding power over many of us that can define entire lives, communities and even empires. Whether you like to keep a respectful distance from the shore or dive headfirst under the waves, it’s hard to deny the power of a good sea song. Below are a few titles that capture the mystery, danger, and grandeur of the ocean, from heart-wrenching to historical, fact to fantasy.

Doomed to Repeat It

History You Won't Forget

There are some books that change our lives and we always remember the first time we read them. History books are not usually in that category, but the stories we tell about ourselves and others can dramatically reshape the way we see the world. This can be because the facts in the books are ones we were never presented with before. Or histories can rock our sense of reality because they highlight a narrative or pattern we never saw before. They may help us make new sense of the confusing present. This is a list of histories that did that for me and I hope will for you, too.

Kids' American History Reads

In coordination with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Read about America with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History! These picture and chapter books are wonderful family reads and are a great tool to help your family develop a sense of home and aspiration for the future of the country. Whether you're a history buff or just avoiding summer slide, these picks will move you, inspire you, and wrap you up in a world that was, so that you can help to decide what the world will become. Picture Books

The New World

Different perspectives on American history!

Independence Day Books to Celebrate America's Founding

Can’t remember much of what you learned about the early years of America back in high school? Always wanted to know more about our Founders? Check out these accessible but well researched books on the early years of America.

Maryland Lore

Like the District, Maryland has a rich, fascinating history and plenty of regional lore. Many important events in American history occurred in the Old Free State. A number of prominent men and women lived and worked in Maryland, making their mark in history. Below are a selection of titles worth reading about Maryland.

True Survival

Non-Fiction Adventure

True-life adventure stories have made for popular reading for generations. The books listed below are retellings of bestselling firsthand accounts published in periodicals and books, months or days after the return home. Well researched, these newer works combine multiple firsthand experiences of survivors as well as rescuers wherever possible and make these much read stories even more accessible.

Israel's Challenges

C.R. Gibbs Lecture on African-American History and Culture

Ancient African Empires

The first presentation in our Spring African American History and Culture Lecture Series. Award-winning historian C. R. Gibbs will deliver a presentation entitled, "Ancient African Empires." Join us for this thought-provoking lecture. For more information, call (202) 576-7252. A discussion with the audience will follow the presentation.